Sea of Stars

Note: This is to help flesh out my character, Aoiko a bit more. I noticed that I haven't really given her much of a personality, and I want to fix that – and explain as to how she and Satan-sama actually meet. Hopefully this'll help clear up any confusion and/or 'hate' for the characters. I realise that not everyone likes OCs, but its FanFiction, so… either read it or just back away slowly and hope you don't get hit with a sock on the way out.

Pairing: Satan-sama/OC (Kind of)

-/-

It was dark, the wind was breezy, but not to the point where it would cause anyone outdoors to head for shelter. The moon was a new one, so obviously it wasn't seen in the sky. The stars were spread out like a blanket, littering the sky like glitter upon a black fabric, and only one person was awake to gaze at the spectacular display. She sat upon a fallen tree, her easel and knapsack lying against the trunk, momentarily forgotten as the owner stared at the sky with such awe and wonder. No matter how long she had been stuck in this world, the sky never ceased to amaze her. It was such a beauty, that she knew her talents couldn't capture such a beautiful sight. Rustling behind her made her freeze, and she gripped the strap to her knapsack tightly. Whoever it was, she didn't want to know – she was willing to leave her easel behind if it meant she escaped with her life and sanity intact.

"You know, for a young woman such as yourself, you're easily scared." A familiar voice rang out, and she relaxed – only slightly. She didn't know the speaker all that well, and she wasn't ready to spill her life story out. "Relax, I am not here to harm you, or try to steal anything." Out walked the commissioner, what was his name… she narrowed her eyes slightly. Right, it was him, Satan-sama. One of the reasons why she was trying to find a way out of this world she had landed in. He was like an insufferable puppy tagging along. If she had gone to one town, he'd be there within a day or two. In fact, she rarely made nightly stops in towns anymore, because she knew that he would arrive the next morning and try to engage in a conversation with her.

He couldn't take the hint: she wasn't interested.

Aoiko knew that it couldn't happen with not only their social statuses, but also the fact that he was a demon and she was a human. Granted, her brother was… well, special in that respect, but she didn't feel like getting familiar with demons. Bad things tend to happen; just like when… she put a hand to her head, holding it as a headache came on full force. Gritting her teeth, she proceeded to block everything out as she tried to focus on not thinking of how she got to this world. It always happened – the headaches, and if she pried any further than the "why," she more often than not blacked out. Someone sat down next to her, and Aoiko sighed exasperatedly.

"Yes?" Aoiko inquired, and she heard a slight chuckle – yeah, she knew who it was. But that didn't mean she had to acknowledge the fact he was there, so she kept her eyes closed.

"If I knew any better, you've been running away from me, Aoiko." a pause, then, "but of course, you're merely looking for a way home, correct?" she sighed, and opened her eyes to see the green-haired, red-eyed demon sitting right next to her. His cloak was a dark colour (possibly red, she really couldn't tell in the already dim lighting). He was smirking at her, but not in an arrogant way, more of a 'how are you doing, fair lady' smirk.

"Listen, Satan-sama –"

"I told you to call me Satan, remember?" he interrupted, and Aoiko gave an exasperated sigh.

"– Satan, I'm trying to piece everything back together. That's why I'm travelling so much. Not to sound rude or anything, but don't you have a kingdom to rule?" she asked, and he chuckled.

"Of course I do, but your path lies in mine, therefore it is pure coincidence that we keep meeting as such. Perhaps you are following me." Aoiko rolled her eyes, scoffing a 'yeah right,' and the pair fell into a silence, both staring at the stars, both stewing thoughts and ideas.

"So what are you doing out here?"

"Why are you out here, by yourself?" they both gave a quick glance, and Aoiko was the first to break eye contact.

"You first," she said, looking down at her hands. Satan-sama rolled his eyes.

"Obviously, you go first. I'm a gentleman." This time, Aoiko rolled her eyes, giving a sheepish, nervous laugh. No, she didn't have feelings for the guy, but it's quite awkward (to her) since she was alone with a guy, in the middle of the woods, staring at the sky full of stars. However, Satan-sama didn't seem fazed at all, "What did you ask?"

"Fine," she conceded, hoping that this conversation would end soon and they'd go their separate ways. It was bad enough that he had imposed his presence on her. "So what are you doing out here? Don't you have enough money on your person to at least be residing in a nice room at the inn back in town?" Satan-sama shrugged.

"I don't sleep well in such places. I prefer being outdoors, watching the stars. It helps me relax." Aoiko gave him a raised eyebrow. "I'm serious," he protested, "I don't like sleeping indoors. It doesn't give me the chance to relax. Being a ruler such as myself," wow, big ego much, Aoiko thought deadpanned. "Means that there are constant decisions, decisions, and decisions; when I eat, what I eat, when I sleep – how long I get to sleep. Everything had been decided before me. Trust me," he said with a sigh, "I never wanted it. I was always outdoors, lost in the clouds – daydreaming." He looked up at the sky with a despondent sigh. "I never wanted any of what was given to me." Aoiko was silent, and he looked over to see that she had been quietly sitting, watching him slightly. "What about you," he inquired, "why are you out here, alone when you could be indoors with your family? Why do you travel?"

"Well," she said with a sigh, "I'm out here because I like watching the stars – the towns don't really like it when you climb on the roofs of the inns to look at them. The stars remind me of home… wherever home is. Which is why I'm travelling, I'm looking for my way back. Back to my brother – he's the only family I have left." She sighed, and rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands. Satan-sama stared at her, surprised. He thought that Aoiko was from the world he lived in – not the other one. So, he thought with a curious gaze at the stars, how in the world did she get here in the first place? That's a very good question. "So that's why." She said quietly, looking up at the Milky Way. "That's why I travel, that's why I stare at the stars."

Silence and Aoiko was the first to break it by yawning. "Sorry," she said, giving a little shake of her head, "I guess it's time for me to find a place to get some sleep." She stood, hefting her knapsack over her shoulder and picking up her easel, easing it against her shoulder. "I'll see you sometime, Satan-sama."

"You may sleep here," he said, watching her reaction carefully. "I will watch over you." She gave a dry laugh. "What," Satan-sama inquired, slightly annoyed. His offer was genuine. "What do you find so funny?"

"Nothing…" she said quietly, giving him a polite bow, "but I decline your offer. I'll be just fine."

"Aoiko," he said quietly, "these woods are crawling with people who could do you harm. Are you sure you want to risk your life and safety out there alone?" he saw her pause, and he grabbed onto his last chance, "Besides, you aren't going to refuse a gentleman of his duty, are you?" Aoiko scoffed, but she eased her belongings back down, and scooted as far away from him as possible. Satan-sama raised an eyebrow, and she gave an exasperated sigh.

"I'm not going to snuggle close for warmth." Aoiko deadpanned, and he continued staring at her, before she started to laugh, rolling her eyes. She then sighed, and scooted close. "Fine, but only because you insisted; this doesn't mean anything Satan." Aoiko let him wrap an arm around her, and she tried not to show how startled she was to realise how cold she was. She grabbed the edge of his cloak and wrapped it around herself, earning soft laughter from Satan-sama. "I'm serious," she said, yawning, "This doesn't mean… anything…"